20 Years of R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”! The Institute that changed the dialogue around Road Safety in Greece, honored its journey.
With great success and emotion, the 20th Anniversary Event of the Road Safety Institute (R.S.I.) “Panos Mylonas” took place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Zappeion Megaron, marking 20 years of continuous action in commitment to Road Safety. The event, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Parliament and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and co-organized with the Region of Attica, was a milestone in the Institute’s journey. It highlighted R.S.I.'s long-standing contribution and showcased the future of Road Safety both in Greece and internationally.
The event was attended by esteemed institutional representatives of the State, members of local authorities, as well as distinguished guests from the academic and business communities. Social partners from across Greece and abroad were also present, all united by a common commitment to a world without road traffic fatalities. Their strong presence underscored their support for the Institute’s consistent and ongoing efforts to promote road safety.
Honored guests at the event included Mr. Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, representing FIA President Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as well as World Rally Champion and former Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Ari Pieti Uolevi Vatanen, whose presence deeply moved the attendees. Both guests traveled to Greece specifically to attend the anniversary celebration of the R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”.
The event was opened with a welcome address by Mrs. Vassiliki Danelli-Mylona, President of the Road Safety Institute (R.S.I.) “Panos Mylonas”, who warmly thanked all those who have supported the Institute’s journey from its establishment to the present day. She emphasized that “this anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished, but also a call to renew our collective commitment to a shared goal: the creation of a world without road traffic crashes. With emotion, conviction, and unwavering action, the Institute continues to lead in the sector of Road Safety — guided by scientific evidence, the use of technology, collaboration, and the active engagement of civil society.” Her welcome was followed by the screening of a commemorative video, which reminded attendees of the key milestones and impactful moments in the 20-year history of R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”.
The event was honored by the presence of the Vice President of the Hellenic Government, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, who also attended as the representative of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In his address, Mr. Hatzidakis praised the work of the Road Safety Institute and expressed his gratitude for its long-standing contribution to Greek society and its impact at the international level.
In addition to the Vice President of the Government, official greetings were also delivered by prominent representatives of the State and distinguished personalities of high standing, in the following order of appearance: Mr. Michail Livanos, Member of Parliament for Piraeus B and Member of the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Permanent Committee on Road Safety, representing the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, Mr. Konstantinos Zombos, Deputy Regional Governor for Central Athens, Mr. Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, Mr. Emmanouil Vrailas, President of HELLASTRON (Hellenic Association of Toll Road Network) and Mr. Dimitris Mandalosis, President of the International Road Federation (IRF).
Following the official greetings by State representatives and distinguished guests, the event continued with the keynote speakers, who, with scientific rigor and deep empathy, highlighted critical aspects of Road Safety and the pivotal role of civil society. Their contributions served as a source of inspiration and motivation for all attendees, emphasizing the Institute’s catalytic role in both national and international efforts to advance Road Safety.
The speakers at the event, in order of appearance, were: Ari Pieti Uolevi Vatanen, World Rally Champion & former Member of the European Parliament with a tenure on the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Dr. Luciana Iorio, Chair of the UNECE Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety - WP1, Alexandra Mitsotaki, Co-founder and President of the World Human Forum (WHF), Isabelle Kardacz, Former Head of the Road Safety and Dangerous Goods Transport Unit, DG MOVE, Dimitrios Gatsonis, Vice President of Hellastron, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Executive Director of "Aegean Motorway S.A." and Stefanos Agiasoglou, CEO of O.SY. S.A. (Athens Urban Transport Organization)
During the event, it was also announced:
The development of a joint Road Safety campaign by the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the Institute, featuring Olympic and Paralympic champions who will serve as ambassadors for the initiative. The campaign was announced by the President of the R.S.I. alongside Olympic champion and President of the National Olympic Academy (NOA), Mr. Dimosthenis Tampakos, representing the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos.
The results of the research project Safe & Sustainable Mobility “Driving Change”, carried out by the R.S.I. with the support of the FIA, were also announced. The findings of the research were presented by Associate Professor Paolo Perego (UNICATT), while a promotional video based on the research results, produced by the Institute, was also screened.
As part of the FIA’s Road Safety Index program, with a focus on Health and Safety at Work, presented by the FIA’s Head of Road Safety and Global Advocacy, Luca Pascotto, it was also announced that Vodafone Greece becomes the first company in the country — and the first telecommunications provider globally- to achieve the FIA Road Safety Index 3-star rating with Support from FIA Member RSI “Panos Mylonas”
The event concluded with the Institute’s traditional "Traffic Police Officer of the Year" award ceremony, during which honorary titles and breathalyzer devices were presented to the awardees and their respective departments. The awards were presented by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, Mr. Panagiotis Stathis, representing the Minister of Citizen Protection, Mr. Michalis Chrysochoidis. The Chief of the Hellenic Police, Lieutenant Mr. Dimitrios Mallios, spoke about the institution and the long-standing constructive collaboration between the Hellenic Police Headquarters and the Institute. The awards for their significant contribution to Road Safety were presented to: Second Lieutenant Mr. Konstantinos Delidakis, Department of Traffic Police, Rhodes and Police Officer Ms. Stamkopoulou Ioanna, 1st Traffic Division, Western Attica
The Institute also presented the “Volunteer of the Year” awards to individuals who have actively supported its mission. The awards were presented by Ms. Zoi Tsirimiagkou, Corporate Responsibility Manager at EKO (Hellenic Fuels and Lubricants), and by the President of the Institute, to the distinguished active volunteers Ms. Ioanna Grigoriadou and Mr. Spyros Avgoustis.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”, the President of HELLASTRON, Mr. M. Vrailas, made the following statement: “With the Road Safety Institute ‘Panos Mylonas’, we have already shared 20 years of joint efforts for safer roads. The results we have achieved together are measured in lives saved. Road safety, although, remains an ongoing challenge. As HELLASTRON – the association of the eight concessionaires of Greek motorways – we are committed to continuing our support of the Institute’s work until the only acceptable number of road fatalities in our country is zero.”
The event was also honored by the presence of Ms. Dora Bakoyanni, former Minister and Member of Parliament for Chania with New Democracy, and Mr. Christos Staikouras, former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
The event coincided with the launch of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week, reaffirming the Institute’s active participation in the global dialogue on road crash prevention and further establishing its role as a national and international point of reference in the field of Road Safety.
The event was expertly moderated by Mr. Kostas Papahlimintzos, journalist at ERT
Major Sponsor: HELLASTRON (Hellenic Association of Toll Road Network)
Gold Sponsors: EKO, EN.E.A.P. (Hellenic Association of Alcoholic Beverage Companies), OSY S.A. (Athens Urban Transport Organization)
Silver Sponsors: Athens International Airport, Hertz
Sponsors: Alpha Bank, BOSCH, Intermed, Nissan, UNI-PHARMA
Supporters: Anytime, Dräger, Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies (EAEE), Yunex Traffic, SIMA S.A., World Human Forum
Communication Sponsors: ERT, POLITIS Group, Autotriti
The Institute would like to extend its special thanks to the World Human Forum for its unwavering support in both the organization of the event and the ongoing work of the Institute.
Gratitude is also expressed to The Newtons Laboratory and BNDB for their creative contribution, to RT Deco for the event production, and to POLITIS GROUP for promoting Road Safety messages across all its digital media channels throughout the Attica region.
For more Information: 210 8620150, www.ioas.gr The event was attended by esteemed institutional representatives of the State, members of local authorities, as well as distinguished guests from the academic and business communities. Social partners from across Greece and abroad were also present, all united by a common commitment to a world without road traffic fatalities. Their strong presence underscored their support for the Institute’s consistent and ongoing efforts to promote road safety.
Honored guests at the event included Mr. Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, representing FIA President Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as well as World Rally Champion and former Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Ari Pieti Uolevi Vatanen, whose presence deeply moved the attendees. Both guests traveled to Greece specifically to attend the anniversary celebration of the R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”.
The event was opened with a welcome address by Mrs. Vassiliki Danelli-Mylona, President of the Road Safety Institute (R.S.I.) “Panos Mylonas”, who warmly thanked all those who have supported the Institute’s journey from its establishment to the present day. She emphasized that “this anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished, but also a call to renew our collective commitment to a shared goal: the creation of a world without road traffic crashes. With emotion, conviction, and unwavering action, the Institute continues to lead in the sector of Road Safety — guided by scientific evidence, the use of technology, collaboration, and the active engagement of civil society.” Her welcome was followed by the screening of a commemorative video, which reminded attendees of the key milestones and impactful moments in the 20-year history of R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”.
The event was honored by the presence of the Vice President of the Hellenic Government, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, who also attended as the representative of the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In his address, Mr. Hatzidakis praised the work of the Road Safety Institute and expressed his gratitude for its long-standing contribution to Greek society and its impact at the international level.
In addition to the Vice President of the Government, official greetings were also delivered by prominent representatives of the State and distinguished personalities of high standing, in the following order of appearance: Mr. Michail Livanos, Member of Parliament for Piraeus B and Member of the Hellenic Parliament’s Special Permanent Committee on Road Safety, representing the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, Mr. Konstantinos Zombos, Deputy Regional Governor for Central Athens, Mr. Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, Mr. Emmanouil Vrailas, President of HELLASTRON (Hellenic Association of Toll Road Network) and Mr. Dimitris Mandalosis, President of the International Road Federation (IRF).
Following the official greetings by State representatives and distinguished guests, the event continued with the keynote speakers, who, with scientific rigor and deep empathy, highlighted critical aspects of Road Safety and the pivotal role of civil society. Their contributions served as a source of inspiration and motivation for all attendees, emphasizing the Institute’s catalytic role in both national and international efforts to advance Road Safety.
The speakers at the event, in order of appearance, were: Ari Pieti Uolevi Vatanen, World Rally Champion & former Member of the European Parliament with a tenure on the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Dr. Luciana Iorio, Chair of the UNECE Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety - WP1, Alexandra Mitsotaki, Co-founder and President of the World Human Forum (WHF), Isabelle Kardacz, Former Head of the Road Safety and Dangerous Goods Transport Unit, DG MOVE, Dimitrios Gatsonis, Vice President of Hellastron, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Executive Director of "Aegean Motorway S.A." and Stefanos Agiasoglou, CEO of O.SY. S.A. (Athens Urban Transport Organization)
During the event, it was also announced:
The development of a joint Road Safety campaign by the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the Institute, featuring Olympic and Paralympic champions who will serve as ambassadors for the initiative. The campaign was announced by the President of the R.S.I. alongside Olympic champion and President of the National Olympic Academy (NOA), Mr. Dimosthenis Tampakos, representing the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos.
The results of the research project Safe & Sustainable Mobility “Driving Change”, carried out by the R.S.I. with the support of the FIA, were also announced. The findings of the research were presented by Associate Professor Paolo Perego (UNICATT), while a promotional video based on the research results, produced by the Institute, was also screened.
As part of the FIA’s Road Safety Index program, with a focus on Health and Safety at Work, presented by the FIA’s Head of Road Safety and Global Advocacy, Luca Pascotto, it was also announced that Vodafone Greece becomes the first company in the country — and the first telecommunications provider globally- to achieve the FIA Road Safety Index 3-star rating with Support from FIA Member RSI “Panos Mylonas”
The event concluded with the Institute’s traditional "Traffic Police Officer of the Year" award ceremony, during which honorary titles and breathalyzer devices were presented to the awardees and their respective departments. The awards were presented by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, Mr. Panagiotis Stathis, representing the Minister of Citizen Protection, Mr. Michalis Chrysochoidis. The Chief of the Hellenic Police, Lieutenant Mr. Dimitrios Mallios, spoke about the institution and the long-standing constructive collaboration between the Hellenic Police Headquarters and the Institute. The awards for their significant contribution to Road Safety were presented to: Second Lieutenant Mr. Konstantinos Delidakis, Department of Traffic Police, Rhodes and Police Officer Ms. Stamkopoulou Ioanna, 1st Traffic Division, Western Attica
The Institute also presented the “Volunteer of the Year” awards to individuals who have actively supported its mission. The awards were presented by Ms. Zoi Tsirimiagkou, Corporate Responsibility Manager at EKO (Hellenic Fuels and Lubricants), and by the President of the Institute, to the distinguished active volunteers Ms. Ioanna Grigoriadou and Mr. Spyros Avgoustis.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the R.S.I. “Panos Mylonas”, the President of HELLASTRON, Mr. M. Vrailas, made the following statement: “With the Road Safety Institute ‘Panos Mylonas’, we have already shared 20 years of joint efforts for safer roads. The results we have achieved together are measured in lives saved. Road safety, although, remains an ongoing challenge. As HELLASTRON – the association of the eight concessionaires of Greek motorways – we are committed to continuing our support of the Institute’s work until the only acceptable number of road fatalities in our country is zero.”
The event was also honored by the presence of Ms. Dora Bakoyanni, former Minister and Member of Parliament for Chania with New Democracy, and Mr. Christos Staikouras, former Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.
The event coincided with the launch of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week, reaffirming the Institute’s active participation in the global dialogue on road crash prevention and further establishing its role as a national and international point of reference in the field of Road Safety.
The event was expertly moderated by Mr. Kostas Papahlimintzos, journalist at ERT
Major Sponsor: HELLASTRON (Hellenic Association of Toll Road Network)
Gold Sponsors: EKO, EN.E.A.P. (Hellenic Association of Alcoholic Beverage Companies), OSY S.A. (Athens Urban Transport Organization)
Silver Sponsors: Athens International Airport, Hertz
Sponsors: Alpha Bank, BOSCH, Intermed, Nissan, UNI-PHARMA
Supporters: Anytime, Dräger, Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies (EAEE), Yunex Traffic, SIMA S.A., World Human Forum
Communication Sponsors: ERT, POLITIS Group, Autotriti
The Institute would like to extend its special thanks to the World Human Forum for its unwavering support in both the organization of the event and the ongoing work of the Institute.
Gratitude is also expressed to The Newtons Laboratory and BNDB for their creative contribution, to RT Deco for the event production, and to POLITIS GROUP for promoting Road Safety messages across all its digital media channels throughout the Attica region.
NEWSDESK
Together for Road Safety An open letter calling for unity and joint action, towards a world without road crashes.”
04/Sep/2025
New Greek Highway Code with FIA club research and advocacy, supported by FIA Foundation
17/July/2025
Meeting of the President of the Hellenic Parliament with the President of the Road Safety Institute (RSI) “Panos Mylonas”
25/Apr/2025
The Road Safety Institute (R.S.I.) "Panos Mylonas" is participating in the 7th International Verde.tec Exhibition and is being honored with an award at the Greek Green Awards 2025.
08/Mar/2025
Main Offices
2 Nemeseos str , 112 53 Athens, Tel.: +30.210-86.20.150, FAX: +30.210-86.20.007, e-mail:info@ioas.gr
Information Centre on Road Safety
5 Pesmazoglou & Stadiou, Stoa tou Vivliou, 105 64 Athens, Tel.: +30.210-32.11.051
Western Greece Office
Management and Operation Center of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, 30020 Antirion
National Road Safety Centre (Coming Soon)
Mesogeion Av. 156, 155 10 Cholargos
2 Nemeseos str , 112 53 Athens, Tel.: +30.210-86.20.150, FAX: +30.210-86.20.007, e-mail:info@ioas.gr
Information Centre on Road Safety
5 Pesmazoglou & Stadiou, Stoa tou Vivliou, 105 64 Athens, Tel.: +30.210-32.11.051
Western Greece Office
Management and Operation Center of the Rion-Antirion Bridge, 30020 Antirion
National Road Safety Centre (Coming Soon)
Mesogeion Av. 156, 155 10 Cholargos